Running refrigerator on solar alone

[Phil Nersessian]

To throw in my 2 cents, I spend most of my time on shore power so batteries are not really a concern, but if it was, I think I would just add another battery or two to the house bank (I have 6 total now) instead of reworking the existing set up.

 

[knotflying]

To throw in my 2 cents, I spend most of my time on shore power so batteries are not really a concern, but if it was, I think I would just add another battery or two to the house bank (I have 6 total now) instead of reworking the existing set up.

Space and weight are the issue on the smaller tugs.

 

[Skeeter]

Bought an Esky extreme cooler, same as a Yeti, Grizzly et all. I keep all frozen food in that ( or items that will be used late in a trip) and minimize opening the lid. Keep items that do not need to be frozen in frig and turn off at night. The Esky will keep things frozen for 7 days with out having to add additional ice. Eliminates most of the issues with drawing too many amps on cloudy days when not running the engine. They are heavy and do require space, but if you catch fish you have an alternative cold storage area. I also use it as a table for the rear seat.

 

[scubabob]

How does temperature affect the calculations on charge longevity? We have AGMs and it seems the high(er) temps cut down the charge. Recently we had a hard time keeping the charge when the daily temps were in the mid 90s here in Florida.

 

[knotflying]

High temperatures will affect capacity.

 

[rpmerrill]

And increase both the compressor run time plus the amp draw.

 

[ALICE J]

I added two 4" muffin fans 12V to the back side of the refrigerator, one pulling air from the area behind the galley sink, and the other pulling air from a cut out I made just above the foot well below the helm seat. I attached the fan to the back frame of the compressor so the air blows directly over the compressor unit. I then exhausted the air as it flowed by the cooling fins on the fridge with a grill located just above the door on the fridge, so the hot air flowed over the top of the fridge and out into the cabin area. There is a spade connector on the back of the fridge's electric hookup that can be used to activate the fans when the compressor comes on. I did this after my experience in Furnace Junction , Death Valley, CA because despite the almost continuous running of the compressor, the fridge would not go below 50 degrees. I figured that there was not enough air flow over the fins, and since I cruise the Bahamas regularly I'll help the little compressor all I can. I have two solar panels and run a Dometic freezer in addition to the fridge. I am thinking of upgrading my controller for the solar panels complements of TugNuts. I also added two indicator led lights one to show that power is to the fridge (breaker in on) the second light comes on when the compressor is running, the fans will then be turning. Five days anchored in the Bahamas this March with adequate battery voltage +12.4 or greater in the early AM, temps into the 80's

 

[Cutwater28GG]

how are you guys turning off your fridge ? I don't have a seperate switch on the cutwater. my only option is turning up the temp control inside the fridge.

 

[knotflying]

I have a breaker on the panel. I would think you would have one also.